Facebook Feedback: Getting food stamps? No junk food allowed

A new bill would block food stamp users from buying junk food.

Editor's note: Throughout the week we post questions to our Facebook page to invite discussion by readers. Below are excerpts from one of our recent conversations:

A new proposal would allow the state to limit uses of food stamps on junk food. We asked: Should the state be able to tell those on food stamps to eat healthy?

I pay for you to eat with those food stamps. So, no. It shouldn't be your choice. Red Bull and candy bars aren't necessities. Get a job if your kids need those. Pathetic reasoning - a prime example of people who take advantage of it.

- Moose Fabronie

We the taxpayers are paying for increased food stamp participants and increased health care costs - all a strain on the ever-shrinking tax base. One can avoid buying soda pop, chips, frozen meals and buy fresh veggies or whole-grain bread. Home-cooked meals are a lot less costly in the long run and better for you.

- Judy Lillie

I don't think they should be allowed to buy candy, soda, beer, chips with food stamps. Those are not necessities to survive.

- Jane Worzella Blarek

Problem is all of the healthy food is way more expensive than the junk pushed on us. Want to get people to eat healthy? Make the prices like what I experienced in Japan. Healthy foods are affordable. Snacks are a treat/luxury.

- Wyatt Fritz

Well, do some research. A single person in Wisconsin can qualify for up to $200 per month. Say a month is 30 days: That's $6.66 a day or roughly $2 a meal. If they waste it, it is their own fault. Who are we to tell them how to spend their money? Every situation is different. Yes there are moochers, but there are also people who really do need that money. Live and let live. I just can't support anything involving taking freedom and personal choice away from Americans.

- Kellie Ruatti

I work for every dollar I make and I am able to live comfortably. But if I made less money and struggled to get by, I would take it as a slap in the face to see people who don't have a job buying junk food with the money that I am paying into the state, while I yet couldn't afford to enjoy myself. I am all for the state restricting certain items from being purchased with food stamps.

- Gregg Ruechel

People getting any government funding should be told what to do with it.

-Dominic Crotteau

I don't think it is fair to tell someone how to eat. It's just not right if the state can tell the people on food stamps how to eat. It's a free country and people should be able to eat how they want. That is their problem, not the state's.

- Stephanie Kolz

If we demand others to eat healthy, then we sure as hell should do the same. People cannot buy beer with food stamps and we can easily place a limit on junk food items, but a ban is out of line. Let's get real and worry about things that are more important than our petty envy about where our money goes. Judge not lest ye be judged, as somebody once said.

- Russ Schleicher

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Email this article

Facebook Feedback: Getting food stamps? No junk food allowed

I pay for you to eat with those food stamps. So, no. It shouldn't be your choice. Red Bull and candy bars aren't necessities. Get a job if your kids need those. Pathetic reasoning ? a prime example

A link to this page will be included in your message.

Join Our Team!

If you are interested in working for an innovative media company, you can learn more by visiting: